Explore how speech and occupational therapy at Virginian Rehabilitation & Wellness in Fairfax and Chantilly, VA, enhances communication and daily living skills.
Is it “Normal Aging” or Dementia?
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month. We wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the difference between Dementia and the effects of “Normal Aging” on our memory. If you are concerned that you or a family member is developing issues with memory, contact your physician to discuss your symptoms.
Let’s Learn About Drooling!
What is Muscle Tension Dysphonia?
Have you noticed a sudden change in your voice? Or, do you have moments of no voice at all? Often times, this can be a result of Muscle Tension Dysphonia which is known to be one of the most common voice disorders. Changes in the way the voice sounds or feels may be due to tension in the muscles that assist in vocal production.
Addressing Deficits Related to Stroke Using the Most Current Evidence and Technologies
If you or a loved one has been affected by a stroke, there are many ways that our rehabilitation team can support your recovery. Here are some updates about our team’s approach, including how we use our neuromuscular electrical stimulation Neubie device to promote improved efficiency of your recovery. Each therapy area has a specialized focus but we all work together to focus on the whole you!
Multiple Sclerosis – Finding Help Through Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy
If you have received a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, you may be wondering what happens next. How do you continue to live your life as independently as possible? How will you keep yourself functioning at your best for as long as possible? What should you do if you feel like you are having more trouble completing daily tasks? These are all good questions and a sign that you might benefit from therapy to help improve your function. Three important members of the allied health professional team include Physical therapy, Occupational therapy and Speech therapy. All three disciplines have great potential to help you maintain and/or improve your function.
NINE NEW YEAR TIPS FOR YOUR VOICE: Learn How to Use Yours LOUD & CLEAR!
Happy Breathing from Speech Pathology!
WHAT’S BEHIND CHRONIC PAIN?
Physical Therapist Matt Gallegos, PT, DPT gives us a concise explanation of how chronic pain occurs and some current treatments. Pain shouldn’t be something you just have to “live with”. There are great treatment strategies that therapy can provide to help you get back to moving and doing the things you love.
The Who, What, How, and When of Auditory Fatigue
Dysphagia: What is it and Who Can Help?
Those suffering from a neurological condition, such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, may experience trouble swallowing. This is called DYSPHAGIA. Dysphagia can have many different causes; however, it’s an issue that needs to be addressed because it can lead to major health problems like dehydration, malnutrition, choking or aspiration pneumonia.
LSVT LOUD - The Benefits of the NOW & LATER…..
LSVT stands for Lee Silverman Voice Training and is a evidence-based, research supported treatment for clients who have Parkinson’s disease. Speech therapists who undergo the process to be certified to deliver LSVT LOUD therapy have the skills teach clients NOW how to strengthen the head/neck/diaphragmatic musculature which will not only improve vocal loudness and intensity, but have LONG LASTING health benefits LATER.
My Doctor has diagnosed me with Dementia. Why should I see a speech pathologist?
Apraxia…What is it and WHY does it matter?
As a speech pathologist treating kiddos and adults, sometimes words that are spoken just don’t make sense. This may be a result of Apraxia – a motor disorder affecting the nervous system.
A child may be seen having trouble placing his lips together to begin speaking. Or, maybe he/she pauses and appears as if he/she is groping for sounds. Difficulty imitating an adult’s speech may also be a sign of Childhood Apraxia.
An adult may demonstrate a very SLOWWWW rate of speech and have difficulty imitating non-speech movements such as sticking out their tongue.
Children & Adults can also show signs of apraxia affecting their gross and fine motor movements. Sometimes walking while swinging their arms in a pattern increases fall risk. Sometimes coordinating muscle movements to zip a coat, brush their teeth, or put on socks is affected. Regardless of the activity, sequencing motor movements is EXTREMELY important as it affects how our body parts communicate to each other.
WHY does it matter? Regardless of the age of my patients, I have to take into consideration “IS THIS APRAXIA” and is it affecting other parts of their daily lives? Speech pathology intervention can address sequencing of motor movements to improve speech sounds and word formations. If a referral to physical or occupational therapy is necessary, I will make the referral. However, if apraxia is not assessed and addressed, speech, language and voice function will likely NOT improve. A strong clinician will not only make the diagnosis, but also help find strategies to move beyond it.
Apraxia does matter. At all levels: mild to severe! If traditional speech and voice therapy intervention is NOT working, ask your clinician: Could this be a form of Apraxia?